Harbor Me

I got the ARC for this book at TLA, and I couldn't wait to read it!  There's no cover art yet, so I'll just put this snap of my copy here to make you jealous.  :)

It all starts with six kids in the ARTT (a room to talk) on Friday afternoons.  They are in a "special" class, but their teacher Ms. Laverne insists they are smart.  Haley lives with her uncle because her mom died, and her dad is in prison.  Her best friend Holly is there, too, with her constant wiggling and honest heart.

Amari is becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of racial profiling, and Ashton is dealing with a recent move and bullying.

But Estaban's heart is broken.  His father never came home from work one day because he was picked up by ICE.  Estaban and his siblings were born in the United States, but his parents weren't.  He is worried he won't see his father again.  What will happen to his mother?  Will the family be broken apart?

Six kids, six struggles, and a place to talk.  This could be the safe harbor they all need if only for a little while.

Jacqueline Woodson's new book will tug at your heart.  some readers will get a window into another world or struggle, and many others will see themselves reflected in these characters. Harbor Me is a beautiful story about friendship and understanding. Highly recommended.